Understanding the Adjustment of Status Process
For many immigrants in the United States, the journey to becoming a permanent resident involves filing an Adjustment of Status application. This process allows individuals to apply for a Green Card without having to return to their home country to complete visa processing. If you're applying under family-sponsored or employment-based preference categories, it's crucial to know when to file your application. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently released guidelines for June 2026, offering essential information for those planning to file.
USCIS Guidelines for June 2026
The USCIS provides a monthly Visa Bulletin that indicates when you can file your Adjustment of Status application. The bulletin includes two charts: the "Final Action Dates" and the "Dates for Filing." For June 2026, USCIS has outlined specific timelines for family-sponsored and employment-based preference visas. It's important to regularly check the monthly bulletin to ensure you file your application at the appropriate time.
Family-Sponsored Preference Visas
Family-sponsored preference visas are categorized based on the relationship of the applicant to the U.S. citizen or permanent resident sponsoring them. These categories include unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens, spouses and children of permanent residents, and more. The June 2026 bulletin provides specific filing dates for each category, which applicants must adhere to for a successful application process.
Employment-Based Preference Visas
Employment-based preference visas are divided into several categories, each with its own eligibility criteria. These categories include priority workers, professionals with advanced degrees, and skilled workers, among others. The USCIS bulletin for June 2026 specifies the filing periods for each of these categories, helping applicants plan their applications effectively.
How to Use the Visa Bulletin
To determine your filing date, first identify your visa category. Then, refer to the "Dates for Filing" chart in the Visa Bulletin. If your priority date (the date your petition was filed) is earlier than the date listed for your category, you can submit your Adjustment of Status application using Form I-485. Regularly checking the Visa Bulletin ensures you don't miss your filing window.
How This Relates to the Civics Test
This topic connects to several questions on the U.S. citizenship civics test. Understanding the immigration process is key to becoming a U.S. citizen, and this knowledge is reflected in questions such as Question 53, which asks about one promise made when becoming a U.S. citizen, and Question 59, regarding the steps in the naturalization process. Familiarity with USCIS procedures, like the Adjustment of Status, helps prepare you for these questions.
Practice these topics and more at 100civicsquestions.com.